DISABILITY OUTCOMES FOLLOWING INPATIENT REHABILITATION FOR STROKE

The Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation and the Functional Independence Measure have been utilized to evaluate outcomes of patien ts undergoing initial comprehensive inpatient medical rehabilitation f or stroke. The Functional Independence Measure total, domain, subscale , and item scores were used to monitor patients during and following r ehabilitation. The benchmark function values and times from stroke ons et were reported, and the functional areas of physical therapy partici pation were noted. It is expected that these benchmarks may serve as a baseline for future study of the extent and rate of functional return following stroke and for strengthening the scientific basis of rehabi litation practice, leading to improved effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation therapy.